Arranged: An Array Series (Book #1)(102)

Eve huffed. “What do you think I like doing, George? Walk around in circles? I’m not that daft.”

That made me laugh, which turned Eve’s glare in my direction. She threw her hands up in the hair.

“I give up with the both of you!”

She sauntered off ahead of us as I stared after her, my hands on my hips. I heard her mumbling, only imagining what she could be saying.

“Hot temper,” George said. “I don’t think you two should be together when you’re both mad.”

“Normally, one of us keeps the other in check.” I tapped his shoulder with mine gently. “How are you doing?”

George looked forward, blowing his breath out of his mouth. “Fine, just trying to figure this whole Garrett-Sophia thing.”

I felt disloyal. Guilty.

I was going to run away and not tell him.

It was going to sting. After everything he’d done for me, I was going to abandon him here, alone. And with me goes his two siblings—his only family.

My brain started to rethink this plan.

How could I do this?

Yes, I wanted to be with Garr.

Yes, I wanted to be happy.

No, I didn’t want to betray my oldest and dearest friend.

“There has to be a loophole,” he continued, scratching the blond stubble on his chin.

“I don’t know, the Chitwoods seem to have thought of everything.” I started to fidget with my fingers.

“Don’t worry.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me to him. “I’ll figure something out.”

We walked in silence, which only ate at my shame. George’s body stayed close to mine as we found our way out of the garden.

“Where is Eve now?” I asked, regarding the back courtyard.

George sighed loudly. “I’ll go find her.” He walked back into the garden, disappearing around the corner.

Eyeing a stone bench, I took a seat as I listened to the birds chirp. The sun was hidden away by clouds threatening to pour rain, which didn’t help my mood.

Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself. I couldn’t speak to Garrett about changing our plan. There wasn’t any loophole in the marriage contract; it was written clear as day in black ink. A death sentence to my future with the man I was falling head over heels over.

In the books I read, they spoke of bold decisions and brave actions—I felt neither of those applied to me. I was a coward. Betrayal wasn’t a bold or brave decision, but an act of selfishness. I agreed to it, sure, but could I just leave?

You’ve wanted your freedom for years—what makes this any different? You would have had to leave this place anyway.

Then why did it feel so dirty?

“You’re a hard person to get alone, Ava Barlow.”

That voice slinked up my arms and rattled my sanity. I peeped over to find Sophia promenading toward me—a victory smile plastered on her face.

I held up my hand. “Don’t come any closer to me”—I scowled at her—“or this hand is going to go right across your face again.”

Sophia tsked, and took a seat next to me anyway. Moving to the other side of the bench, I rubbed my cheek anxiously. The negative vibe she was giving off was grating on my nerves, and I stood to leave.

“I know what you have planned, Barlow,” she mused, picking at her emerald green gown, her brown eyes determined to make me squirm.

“And what might that be?”

She stretched her arms lazily as she stood. “It’s honestly quite cute that you are so strong-minded as to help a man get out of a marriage that has already dried on paper.” Her voice turned steely. “It’s over. Pack your belongings and leave with the rest of your pride.”

I chortled. “Back to trying to order me around?”

“A smart woman knows when she has been defeated.”

“Don’t worry about me, Chitwood. I’ll be just fine.”

Taking a step forward, she pressed on. “Divorcing me will do nothing.”

I turned to fully face her, my temper and curiosity getting the better of me.

I raised a brow. “Do I need to explain to you what that is?”

“There won’t be any reason for him to divorce me, and I won’t partake either. He can do whatever he wants; keep me in the palace or keep my funds limited—I already have plans for all that.”

“And what are those?” I crossed my arms.

She waved her finger at me, smiling slyly. “That’s a secret.”

I rolled my eyes. “Are we done here?”

Sophia continued to stare, raising an eyebrow. “I don’t think you’re taking me seriously.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Get wise, Barlow. This won’t work in your favor. I won. The late King wanted me as his son’s bride. I’m not going anywhere. I’m even having an agreement drawn up that there will be no mistresses named Ava Barlow involved in my marriage.”

I clenched my fists. “Thanks for the warning.”

“Keep pushing me.” She stepped closer. “I’ll make sure Hara is married off to some old geezer.” She paused, then her eyes lit up. “Oh, better yet, a young chap who is spiteful and—”

“Quit acting like you have all this power. You’re not going to be a queen.”